Trump Rewards Sycophants, Even If They’re Unqualified for Their Jobs – The Grift Has Already Begun

With the 2024 election behind us and Donald J. Trump back in the White House, one thing is abundantly clear: the grift that defined his first term is back and is already in full swing. As he begins assembling his administration for a second term, Trump is once again prioritizing loyalty over qualifications, rewarding sycophants with key positions that should be based on merit and experience. The latest moves are a striking reminder of how Trump governs: surrounding himself with loyalists, many of whom are shockingly unqualified for their roles. The grift has already begun, and it’s more brazen this time.

?Trump’s recent nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense is a perfect example of this troubling trend. While a former Army National Guard officer, Hegseth has no relevant experience in defense policy, military strategy, or the complexities of managing one of the world’s largest military forces. His primary qualification for the role appears to be his outspoken support for Trump and his visibility as a pro-Trump pundit on Fox News. Despite his lack of expertise in defense, Trump is elevating him to one of the most critical positions in the U.S. government. This move again signals that loyalty to Trump matters more than qualifications, and competence takes a back seat.

?But Hegseth isn’t the only loyalist being tapped for key positions. In another bold and equally unqualified move, Trump officially named South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nominee. Noem, who rose to national prominence for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in her state and her staunch conservative stances on issues like immigration and gun rights, has no direct experience in homeland security, national defense, or managing a massive federal agency like DHS. However, she has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, which appears to be all that matters. With Noem now nominated for this pivotal role, Trump is once again signaling that loyalty and political alignment—rather than experience or expertise—are the key qualifications for high office.

?Both Hegseth and Noem’s nominations are emblematic of a broader strategy: Trump's administration is less about governance and more about consolidating power by surrounding himself with people loyal to him rather than those capable of carrying out the job at hand. Just as Trump filled his first-term cabinet with unqualified allies, like Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education and Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, his second term promises more of the same.

?Noem’s rise to the DHS nomination is especially troubling given the agency's critical role in safeguarding national security, managing immigration policy, and responding to domestic emergencies. In theory, the position requires someone with expertise in security, law enforcement, and crisis management—qualities Noem has not demonstrated during her tenure as governor. Instead, she has built a national reputation as a Trump ally and a vocal advocate for policies that align with his hard-right agenda, particularly on immigration and border security. That loyalty, it seems, is enough to earn her a key position in the Trump administration, even if it means sidelining qualified candidates who could bring the experience and leadership needed to oversee the country’s vast security infrastructure.

?Trump’s strategy is clear: he’s building a government not of skilled professionals but of people who will do his bidding and protect his political or financial interests. Hegseth and Noem’s appointments reflect a broader trend of consolidating power within a circle of loyalists, many of whom have little to no relevant experience in the fields they oversee. This is about rewarding loyalty, not finding the best person for the job. Whether managing the U.S. military, securing the homeland, or regulating the environment, Trump’s nominees appear to be chosen not for their expertise but for their ability to toe the line and protect Trump’s personal and political interests.

?Beyond these specific nominations, the broader implications are concerning. As Trump fills his cabinet and critical administrative roles, we can expect more cronyism, more political favoritism, and more of the self-dealing that defined his first presidency. His political action committees (PACs) are already raking in large sums, and many of his loyalists stand to benefit financially from their proximity to Trump’s power. The grift continues as fundraising, media influence, and government contracts flow to those closest to the president.

?In his second term, the line between Trump’s personal and political interests will likely become even more blurred. The Trump Organization will likely benefit from favorable policies and regulations. At the same time, figures within his inner circle—many of whom have little to no experience governing—will continue to be rewarded with lucrative positions. The country’s needs and the responsibilities of government will take a backseat to Trump’s empire, as those loyal to him are elevated, regardless of their qualifications.

?The risk here is that these appointments will lead to a more ineffectual government and further erode the institutions that are supposed to serve the American people. When loyalists who lack the necessary experience are given control of key agencies, the public suffers. National security, environmental protection, public health, and education—all these vital government areas are put at risk when run by individuals more focused on pleasing the president than on doing the job.

?Trump’s second term is shaping up to be a return to the same old pattern of nepotism, cronyism, and self-enrichment that characterized his first time in office. The nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon and Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security are just the beginning. As Trump continues to reward loyalty over competence, we can expect more unqualified appointments, more conflicts of interest, and a government that serves the president and his allies more than it serves the American people.

?The grift is already underway, and it’s clear that Trump’s second term will be defined not by effective governance or public service but by the consolidation of power, the enrichment of his inner circle, and the rewarding of loyalists who will protect his interests—no matter the cost to the nation. The question now is whether the American people will continue to tolerate an administration that places loyalty over expertise and personal gain over the public good. As Trump’s appointments continue, it’s clear that the grift will not only continue—it will likely grow even more entrenched